A devastating tragedy occurred near Abidjan, Ivory Coast, when a boat capsized during a church outing on a lagoon, resulting in the deaths of 12 children and teenagers. The tragic incident took place on Monday night, prompting immediate action from local authorities.
Sports Minister Adje Silas Metch confirmed the disaster on Tuesday, stating that 12 bodies had been recovered from the water and were being transported to the morgue. He added that the victims were children and adolescents, with one of the deceased being a young person who was not part of the church group but had joined the boat ride.
The outing, organized by a Methodist church in Tiaha, a village located around 60 kilometers west of Abidjan, was intended to celebrate Easter. Gerard Gbato, deputy chief of the Dabou police district, explained that the tragedy occurred on the return trip. The boat’s engine failed, causing it to overturn. Authorities suspect the boat may have been overloaded, which may have contributed to the incident. Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the capsizing.
The boat involved was a motorized dugout canoe, a type of vessel commonly used in the region for crossing the lagoon. These canoes are vital for local transportation, linking Abidjan with surrounding towns. Four individuals were rescued from the water following the accident, although details about their condition have not been released.
The lagoon, which stretches between Abidjan and nearby towns, serves as an important waterway for the region’s residents. Abidjan, with a population exceeding six million, is a major urban center, and the lagoon plays a key role in connecting its districts to the surrounding areas. The tragic incident has raised concerns about the safety of boat travel in such regions, where overloaded vessels and mechanical failures can result in devastating accidents. Local authorities have pledged to continue their investigation and implement necessary safety measures to prevent future tragedies.